I see Tubby puts the fall in attendances down to the lack of summer signings. I'm sure he's right to a large extent.

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/hufc/Tu ... 5001189.jp

This looks like an ideal topic for the bunker to debate in wholly positive and measured way

To start with perhaps he could answer the following

1. Why didn't we spend any money. What was the stumbling block?
2. Why didn't we strengthen the fullback/goalkeeping situation which everyone saw was our major problem?
3. What was the role of the Director of Sport in all of this?
4. What lessons have been learnt?
4. What lessons have been learnt from the marketing of season tickets?

I think you and Tubby are both spot on

This isn't going to add anything to the debate but...


For fook's sake Mail, send them all on an English course!

In the paper it says "led" instead of "lead".

The crowds have always been down on what we would expect to get even when challenging at the top of the league.
The current recession doesn't help but I know quite a few lads who are working have decent jobs who wont fork out £20 to come to pools.
Its just the way it is, we'll always be a poorly supported club mainly for these reasons.

Sorry for being so pessemistic its just the way it is

And its muddy on the millhouse side,

CT is spot , what I like about CT is he sees the game through the eyes of an intelligent supporter and knows the history of the club and the town , which contribute to the low crowds etc. Pools missed a great chance to kick on after the Bristol City play off defeat in 03/04 when interest was at all time highest.Granted we made play off final the next season but the decline had already started, the ,Tinkler was never replaced in midfield and still hasnt been replaced, IOR lacked ambition and crowds of 5000 have now become 3000 and will fall even further if something isnt done soon. CT is spot on when he says its takes a long time to gain support but not half as long for it to dissapate. The signings of Nardiello and Guy are exactly the sort of players we should of had long ago, unfortunately they are on loan and wont probably sign in long term. Still it is step in right direction/

What baffles me is why CT as director of sport never spoke up about the reason for falling crowds 18mths ago,

Wilson is to blame, the fans perception was that he wasn't that interested. He was also incredibly stubborn despite huge evidence contrary to his selections.
IOR are to blame, there is a perception that they are insular and secretive. Also the pre season tournament was a debacle. Mind you, they appear to have recovered the situation with the centenary dinner and teh legends thing.
The credit crunch is to blame, people have lost their jobs and people are generally more careful with spare cash.

1. Why didn't we spend any money. What was the stumbling block?
IOR didn't trust Wilson

2. Why didn't we strengthen the fullback/goalkeeping situation which everyone saw was our major problem?
Fooked if I know that one, the full back issue has been obvious for at least two years.

3. What was the role of the Director of Sport in all of this?
Hmmm.... come back to you on that one, perhaps KH's eyes and ears.

4. What lessons have been learnt?

5. What lessons have been learnt from the marketing of season tickets?
The season ticket was a generous offer, the marketing of it was atrocious.